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IndexThe Guthrie Daily Leader 1895--1929
DOSSETT GIVEN BAIL
In the Sum of $5,000 Business in District Court
September 11, 1895—Guthrie Daily Leader—In the district court yesterday John Dossett was admitted to bail in the sum of $5,000.
July 22, 1897—Guthrie Daily Leader—The Times-Democrat says—J. H. McDoulett was in town this week from his place near Perkins. He stated that his daughter who was sent to the reform school along with Jennie Metcalf, alias Little Breeches, will soon have served her time out and that he is in receipt of a letter which says she has entirely reformed. The letter also asks his permission to her remaining there where a position will be secured for her. Mr. McDoulett says he has been bothered considerably of late by horse thieves, having lost three hear of horses in the last two month.
BEREAVED FATHER WANTED REVENGE
Watchful Officers Prevent Possible At Federal Jail
January 3, 1902—Guthrie Daily Leader—But for the presence of mind and quickness of Deputy Marshal Fossett and Jailor McCracken the federal jail might have furnished the scene of a tragedy of revenge this morning, thus furnishing a literal fulfillment of the Mosaic law, “a life for a life.”
The occasion was furnished by the visit to the jail of Dr. Beenblossom who came up from Oklahoma City this morning for the purpose of identifying Levi Reed, a prisoner, as the possible murderer of Dr. Beenblossom’s fifteen-year-old son, who was shot down by a trio of highwaymen near Rush Springs last fall.
After admission to the jail Dr. Beenblossom was asked to be seated by the stove in the corridor while on of the guards went to Reed’s cell to bring forth the prisoner. Reed was not informed of the purpose of the visit but understood that he was being taken to the bath room, and when his gaze fell on the man sitting near the stove the prisoner gave a quick stat, his face blanched and his lips turned blue. The effect on the visitor was electrical, too, for he jumped to his fee with “You----!” on his lips, made a grab for his revolver. The watchful Fossett and McCracken were on him in an instant, however, over powering the man and forced him into the jail office. When the fit of rage passed away Dr. Beenblossom became so weak that he had to be assisted to the street by the officers.
PEACE OFFICERS KILLED BY ROBBERS
Sheriff Frank Smith and Deputy George Beck Shot Down
January 16, 1902—Guthrie Daily Leader—Word was received at the United States marshal’s office last night of the killing of Sheriff Frank Smith and Deputy Sheriff George Beck by highwaymen eight miles west of Anadarko yesterday.
It has been reported to the sheriff’s office that some parties going home from church had been held up and robbed. Yesterday morning Sheriff Smith, accompanied by Deputies Beck and Briggs, started in pursuit of the highwaymen, overtaking them in an Indian hut eight miles west of Anadarko.
In attempting to enter and arrest the robbers Sheriff Smith was shot through the breast and died in a few minutes.
Deputy Sheriff Beck was also shot through the breast and his left arm shattered. Briggs was not injured.
After killing the sheriff and deputy, the robbers robbed the persons of the dead men and then made their escape.
Sheriff Smith made a dying effort to arrest the highwaymen and shot several time through the door and walls of the building in fighting them. After Deputy Sheriff Beck had his arm shattered he still continued to fight the robbers until he was killed.
The names of the robbers are not definitely known at this time, though their names are reported as Miller.
A large posse of men has been organized and gone in pursuit, and lynching will in all probability be the fate of the robbers if captured alive.
Sheriff Smith was one of the best-known peace offices in Oklahoma. For years he has served on the United States marshal’s force of deputies and was highly esteemed by Marshal Thompson and his predecessors as a brave, capable and fearless officer. Prior to his appointment as sheriff of Caddo County the dead officer lived at Norman, Cleveland County.
TWO SUSPECTS ARRESTED
Officer Believe They Have The Murders of Caddo County Officers
March 31, 1902—Guthrie Daily Leader—The officials at the office of the United States marshal’s office are confident that the two men arrested in the Kaw reservation yesterday are the murderers of Sheriff Frank Smith and Deputy George Beck, the Caddo county officers. Sheriff Bain of Kay County, and a posse made the arrest. The descriptions of the two suspects received here are similar to those obtained from Anadarko at the time of the killing. Both men were heavily armed. One gave his name as Cooper and the other Charles Moffit.
Sheriff Charley Carpenter this morning stated that Deputy Briggs, who accompanied the officers at the time of the killing, has been sent for to identify the men under arrest.
ANOTHER ENCOUNTER WITH CASEY
August 11, 1902—Guthrie—Ex-Sheriff Neil Morrison, of Hobart, arrived in Guthrie with the information that another battle was fought with the Bert Casey gang of outlaws at the Hughes ranch in Kiowa county, the result that four of the gang were captured together with a big bunch of stolen horses. Casey and two others escaped, breaking through the line of sentries placed around the ranch. There were several rounds of shots fired, but no serious wounds are reported.
IN EARLY DAYS
John Tilson Tells of Exciting Times When Oklahoma Was Young.
January XE "January" 15, 1903—The Guthrie Daily Leader --Jefferson Review—“There has been a great change in this country since ’73 when I was through here on a buffalo hunt.” Remarked John Tilson of this place to the Review man the other day. Mr. Tilson went on to say. “In October, ’73, a part of us from Marion county, Kansas, composed of Bill Sutton , Ed Roberts and myself, came down to Cowley county and there we joined in with Johnnie Patterson and C. M. Boyd . I left my horse at Boyd’s place, the others put in a horse each, fitting out the other ones we struck southwest for the Cherokee Strip. We crossed Pond Creek just below town here at the old ranch house, which consisted of a little log house with a stockade of poles about ten feet high set up around the house to keep the Indians out in case of an attack. The same fall the Osages had killed a cowboy whose grave is on the little sand ridge just south of where the old ranch house stood. We had to keep a sharp lookout for Indians, as they were likely to go on the warpath at any time.
While the other boys were preparing camp at Pond Creek I took my gun and went west to where Mrs. Skinner’s farm is now, there on quite a large lake was the most display of geese I ever saw. I killed a fine goose.
We crossed Salt Fork on the old trail leaving it there we started southwest across the prairie. Almost six miles west of where Round Pond is located we sighted the first buffalo. After an exciting chase I killed an old bull and the other boys go a couple. We went as far as Cleo Springs, where we took up camp for several days and in the meantime killed several more buffalo. At this place one of our teams strayed off and we never heard of it afterwards.
Nothing was left us to do but trail one of the wagons; so we loaded up the hams and the hides off the thirteen buffalo and started home, so heavily loaded we all had to walk.
There were thousands of buffalo, but they were being ruthlessly slaughtered for their hides and the prairie was strewn with their carcasses.
When we got back into Cowley County Ed Roberts killed two deer by Silver creek. I got my horse at Boyd’s and traded him for a yoke of cattle to take my wagon and supply of meat back to Marion county.
WELTY’S DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE
Notorious Outlaw and Murderer Makes Bold Break for Liberty
January 21, 1903— The Guthrie Daily Leader --Bert Welty , the notorious outlaw who was brought back from the penitentiary to correct a technical error in his sentence, this morning attempted to escape from the officers but was caught by Deputy Marshal Jacobson. The two left the federal jail at 9:30 this morning. Welty not being handcuffed, as they neared Cleveland avenue on Second street Welty took advantage of the opportunity and broke loose, running west on Cleveland avenue. He increased his speed as he neared the railroad tracks but when he reached the track Marshal Jacobson caught him and the two engaged in a rough and tumble fight. Welty was quickly overpowered by the marshal and brought safely to the courtroom.
ZACK MULHALL WAS IN THE CITY
The Oklahoma Cattleman-Railroad Man is an Enthusiastic State Advocate
January 30, 1903— The Guthrie Daily Leader --Zack Mulhall, general live stock agent of the St. Louis and San Francisco railroad, was in the city last night. Mr. Mulhall is a well-known character throughout the west. While his office is in St. Louis, he retains his official residence in Oklahoma. He is the father of the town of Mulhall and has a large residence adjoining the town. Mr. Mulhall has two daughters, Miss Agnes, said to be the original of “Bossey” in Hoyt’s “A Texas Steer,” and Miss Lucille, whom Westerners know as an expert lariat thrower, says the Kansas City Star.
Mr. Mulhall is just now an enthusiastic advocate of statehood for Oklahoma and hopes for the passage of the omnibus bill.
February 9, 1903—Guthrie Daily Leader--A woman known as “China Dot ,” shot and killed by William Garland at Clifton Arizona January 28 has been identified here as “Tom” King a woman bandit, once with the Henry Starr gang of desperadoes who infested Oklahoma and Indian Territory. She wore men’s clothing and she lived in this country. Her maiden name was Flora B. Quick. Her father, Daniel Quick , was wealthy farmer near Holden, Missouri. It is alleged that the woman took part in the Santa Fe train robbery at Red Rock several years ago. Afterward she was arrested at Minco, Indian Territory for horse stealing, but broke jail at El Reno and was never heard of again in Oklahoma.
KILLED THE CHIEF WITH LAST BULLET
Death of Colonel L. J. Morris, Famous Scout and Indian Fighter
February 11, 1903-- The Guthrie Daily Leader --—Albuquerque, N. M.—Col. J. L. Morris , one of the most famous of western scouts and Indian fighter, is dead here after a long illness. In 1891 Morris with thirteen men killed Chief Juaneka and thirty Apache warriors who had been terrorizing the community. Morris was wounded in the neck, one of his men died and ten wounded. The leader after being shot killed Juaneka with his last bullet. Congress awarded Morris a medal for bravery. Morris served with a Kansas regiment during the Civil War. He will be buried here Thursday with military honors.
COWBOY BAND ATTRACTION
Gave Guthrie a Six-Shooter and Musical Entertainment
February 13, 1903— The Guthrie Daily Leader --Zack Mulhall and his cowboy band, Commander Baker of the United States navy and Robert Aull , of St. Louis, representing the World’s Fair, were the attraction at the Brooks last evening. The band and distinguished visitors arrived on the afternoon train and were met at the depot by Troop A. Cavalry banc OK. N. G., and the governor’s military staff and escorted to the hotel.
Misses Agnes Mulhall and Lucille Mulhall also accompanied the party.
The program rendered last evening included choice selections ably handled by the band and the entertainment given was of a high-class order. The addresses by Commander Baker and Robert Aull were well delivered both speaking briefly upon the exhibition Oklahoma should make at the exposition and referring to the marvelous development of the county. The band left today for New Orleans and other southern points, where they will advertise the Frisco system.
February 28, 1903--Guthrie Daily Leader--Henry Starr , the famous Cherokee outlaw, who was recently pardoned by president Roosevelt was in the city this week.
HENNESSEY ROBBERS CLOSELY PURSUED
March 5, 1903— The Guthrie Daily Leader -Accompanied by Deputies George A. Foster and J. L. McCracken , United States Marshal Fossett left last evening for Lacey, a small town near Hennessey, the scene of Monday night’s robbery where with the other marshals in the field, Mr. Fossett hopes to apprehend the robbers and land them in the federal jail. When last seen the three men were near Lacey, in northwestern Kingfisher county and were being closely followed by Deputy Marshal Holt of El Reno and others.
The three robbers help up the station agent at the Rock Island depot at Hennessey early Tuesday morning, securing $750 in cash. They also relieved several passengers awaiting the coming of the northbound train. While the robbery was in progress Justice Craig, a Negro appeared upon the depot platform carrying a lantern. He was promptly ordered to halt, but thinking that a joke was being played upon him continued toward the robbers, was shot down, dying an hour afterwards. The robbers immediately fled and have since eluded the officers. The officials here were notified and accompanied by Policeman Myers and Chief of Police Reynolds Reynolds" went to Mulhall and guarded the roads leading to that town Tuesday night.
United States Marshal Fossett telephoned at noon today from Crescent City that the officers were hot on the trail of the three robbers. The men were last seen at 10 o’clock last evening one mile north of Crescent City riding in a buggy and changing horses every few hours by holding up and demanding horses from the farmers. From the description and tactics of the men it is believed that Ben Cravens XE "Ben Cravens" is a member and if encountered a fierce e battle will ensue. The men are described as being of medium height, all wearing overcoats and slouch hats and carrying Winchester rifles and revolvers. Every cross road is guarded and the capture of the men seems sure.
City Marshal Reynolds and Sheriff Carpenter left today for Mulhall and are guarding the roads leading to that town and officers have been stationed near Guthrie and will stop any suspicious characters that may attempt to pass. After robbing the depot the men started west toward Crescent City, returning to the small town of Lacey in Kingfisher county and then back to Crescent city last evening.
FOSSETT’S FORCES CLOSING ON ROBBERS
Country is Aroused and Farmers Join the Exciting Man Chase
March 6, 1903— The Guthrie Daily Leader --The search for the Hennessey robbers continues and from advices received at the marshal’s office today the men are being closely pursued and possibly may be captured before night falls. United States Marshal Fossett and his officers traced the men yesterday afternoon to a point near Mulhall where the trail was lost. The officers continued on into Mulhall reaching there at 2 o’clock. Here dinner was taken and with fresh horses they started back on the trail. Meanwhile the three robbers have been engaging the farmers at every turn of the road.
After losing the officers the robbers went north where they stole a team and buggy from a woman and continued northward. A posse of farmers met them in the road and a running battle ensued. The men turned back and again reaching the main road turned west towards Marshall. At this time Marshal Fossett and his men came up and another exchange of shots occurred no one being hurt in the marshal’s party. The robbers were about three hundred yards from the officers and on a high hill. The firing continued for twenty minutes the robbers finally escaping by abandoning their buggy and taking to the woods. By this time the farmers’ posse had reached the marshal and the woods were surrounded. A close guard was kept throughout the night but by a clever ruse the robbers again eluded the officers and reached a farmhouse where they stole another team and continued their flight. The officers were soon hot on the trail but as darkness had set in the trailing of the desperadoes became difficult.
At 10:20 this morning the marshal’s office was notified and the robbers had just passed Bison, a small station north of Hennessey and were going west closely pursued by a posse. No word has been received from Marshal Fossett and it is not known where he is. The Anti-Horse Thief association, deputy sheriffs and others are hot on the trail and with organized and determined forces in each county the capture of the men seems certain.
At noon Marshal Fossett and his officers passed through Bison in hot pursuit of the fugitives. The party were reinforced thereby other posses, the robbers being ahead of them about an hours ride. The marshal is confident of the capture and is unrelenting in the pursuit. When last seen the robbers were a few miles west of Bison and were headed for the western country where they hope to escape in the dense timber. The bad roads affect the speedy capture of the men.
FOSSETT AND POSSE RETURN FROM CHASE
Hennessey Robbers Still Retain Freedom Though Closely Pursued
March 7, 1903— The Guthrie Daily Leader -United States Marshal Fossett accompanied by Deputies Foster and Baxter , Sheriff Carpenter and Marshal Reynolds returned from Bison last evening to which place the Hennessey robbers were trailed yesterday.
The robbers have not escaped, however, as a posse of sheriff’s deputies and others of nearby counties are in close pursuit and guarding every crossroad. The country roads are in such a condition from the recent rains as to make travel every slow and the weather has considerably delayed the officers.
Marshal Fossett is confident that the men will be captured, however.
At 10:30 yesterday morning it was reported the robbers had passed through Bison but this proved untrue and put the officers off the trail. The men were last seen about five miles south of Bison early in the morning but the marshal’s posse was not informed of these movements. It is supposed that they were safely guarded. Thursday night and after the night’s rest continued on their flight. The marshal’s posse continued on the trial a few miles west of Bison, turning back late in the afternoon and returning to Guthrie last evening.
At 3 o’clock this afternoon a telephone message received at the marshal’s office stated that the trail had again been found and that the posses were but a few hours behind the robbers. The latter ate breakfast at 8 o’clock at the farm house a few miles south of Hennessey where they remained during the night and secured a good night’s rest. It is believed that their friends are now caring for the men, though the officers in the field believe they will capture them soon. In response to a telegram asking for more aid Marshal Fossett and his deputies left this afternoon for Hennessey where the pursuit will be taken up and continued Sunday.
HENNESSEY ROBBERS ELUDE POSSES
Escape in Darkness After Exchange of Shots With Pursuers
March 9, 1903—Guthrie Daily Leader—The chase of the Hennessey robbers continues but little progress has been made toward affecting a capture since Saturday. The robbers, however, are being closely followed by a Woods County posse the gang having reached that county yesterday. After eating breakfast Saturday morning at a place five miles north of Hennessey the robbers turned in a northwesterly direction and followed the Cimarron river into Woods County. Late Saturday evening the posse suddenly came upon the men at the little town of Isabella, where for twenty minutes the two parties engaged in a battle of bullets. The robbers successfully escaped in the darkness and early Sunday morning stole five head of horses, which were in a field. With the fresh horses the robbers continued on their flight and in the rough country in Woods County hope to escape.
From the description given of the men and from parties who have been held up and relieved of their horses since the Hennessey robbery a week ago, it is believed the men live near Hennessey and are Bob and Ray Martin and Ed Simmons, sons of farmers living in that neighborhood. The identification is not complete, but a woman whose team was taken by the robbers last week was addressed by her Christian name by the men she believes she is acquainted with them.
MCDONALD THE TEXAS RANGER
Story of Some Adventures—His Duel With Sheriff Mathews
March 24, 1903—The Guthrie Daily Leader - Mangum, Okla.— -Capt. W. J. McDonald , captain of Company B. Texas State Rangers, has been in Mangum several days this week attending court as a witness in one of the horse stealing cases against Sid Woodring . Capt. McDonald’s home is in Quanah and he owns two ranches near that place, but his headquarters are at Amarillo, and his principal base of operation is along the western border of the state. The Texas Rangers, once quite an army of itself, is now reduced to four companies of eight men, thirty-two men all told. But those still in the service bear the same reputation for bravery, prompt action and good sense, for which the ranger service has ever been noted. Capt. McDonald is about fifty years old, has pleasant features and a pleasing expression, but is a man of determination and iron nerve, as those who know his eventful history can testify. It was Capt. McDonald and two of his men who captured the two desperadoes, who were afterwards taken and hanged by a mob at Wichita Falls. The desperadoes were surrounded in a dense wood at night. McDonald and his men went into the woods located the men, ordered them to surrender and they recognized McDonald’s voice an called out not to shoot that they would surrender which they did and they were taken to town and handed over to the sheriff and after McDonald and his men had left town the mob secured the prisoners and hanged them.
All old settlers of Greer County remember well the difficulty McDonald and Sheriff Mathews XE "Sheriff Mathews" of Childress County had a few years ago. The two had not been the best of friends for some time and had some trouble over possession of a prisoner that was confined in the Greer county jail. Later Sheriff Mathews heard something that McDonald was reported to have said about him and went to Quanah with the express intention of having it out with McDonald. McDonald’s friends kept them apart until just before train time. Mathews was at the depot expecting to take the train back home, when he started on another trip up town and met McDonald. They both at once drew their guns and began shooting at each other and it is reported that others on the outside took a hand in the shooting too. As a result both men were badly shot up. Sheriff Mathews died and McDonald was badly injured and in the hospital a long time. Mathews had a large plug of tobacco in his inside pocket on the left side just over the heart and McDonald put two bullets in the tobacco plug about an inch apart, but the balls did not go through the tobacco. McDonald was tried for murder, but was acquitted on the grounds of self-defense.
OLD TIME CATTLEMAN FAST DISAPPEARING
Late George W. Miller XE "Miller" Was Typical of the Class
May 4, 1903— The Guthrie Daily Leader --George W. Miller , president of the 101 Ranch company at Bliss, in the Ponca Indian reservation, who died last Saturday, was a characteristic type of the old time cattleman. He was one of the first to bring a trail herd from Mexico to the interior of the United States. His herds ranged in number from 3,00 to 6,000 cattle. One year he handled 25,000 head of trail cattle, many of which were loaded at Hunnewell, Kas. for shipment to market. The cattle were paid for in gold, which was hauled to the Mexican border by wagon. The owners refused currency and did not know the meaning of a bandit raid.
Mr. Miller ’s judgment of the value of cattle on the hoof was remarkable; few persons begin better able than he to tell what the worth of a lean steer turned loose on the range in the spring would be at shipping time. He was engaged in the cattle business in Oklahoma for thirty-one years and in all that time used brand “101”. Eleven years ago he started ranch “101”, which is known throughout the United States as a successful live stock and agricultural enterprise. The wheat fields alone aggregate 8,000 acres.
Mr. Miller was born near Danville, Ky., February 22, 1842, and spent his boyhood on a farm near Crab Orchard. His Kentucky blood was shown in his unique personality. He made strong friends and bitter enemies; to one he was steadfast, and to the other defiant. His hospitality was unbounded and on his ranch and at his city home in Winfield, Kas., he gave his guests the best his table and his cellar could produce. Three hours before his death he insisted that friends who had come to bid him farewell should sit down to dinner and regretted that his health was not such as to permit him to join them. He gave freely to the poor and his compassion for their distress was such that on Thanksgiving Day he always gave a steer to those in greatest need.
Mr. Miller" ’s death was due to pneumonia, which began a week ago last Sunday. He had always been vigorous in body, but he felt his vitality slipping from him and said that he would not recover. He called his family to his bedside and made known his final wishes in the management of his 50,000-acre ranch, which will be operated as it was during his life. To his widow he left $30,00 in life insurance. He said that the approach of death did not alarm him and watches its coming without distress. He played with his grandchildren almost to the end, his mind remaining clear and active.
The body was taken to the family burial ground on the farm in Kentucky where he lived when a boy. An escort of cowboys rode beside the hearse as it passed alongside one of the ranch’s great wheat fields, across a broad pasture where thousands of cattle grazed in sight of the trail road, and thence to the railroad station at Bliss. Many Ponca Indians, from whom most of the ranch lands are leased, accompanied the body. Chief White Eagle, together with several of his head men, viewed the body at the ranch house, but refused to go to the railroad station. White Eagle is a proud man and said, “I would not weep where men and women could see. I must retire alone.”
Mr. Miller married Miss Mollie A. Carson in Louisville, Ky., January 0, 1866. They located at Newtonia, Mo., in 1869, went to Baxter Springs, Kas., in 1880 and a year later moved to Winfield, Kas., which was their home at the time of his death. He left a widow, a daughter, Miss Alma Miller, and three sons, Joseph C. Miller, “Zack” and George Miller .
DEPUTY MARSHAL BOBBIT IS PAID REWARD MONEY
May 5, 1903— The Guthrie Daily Leader --Territorial Auditor Baxter , acting upon the advice of Governor Ferguson, today tendered former Deputy Marshal Bobbitt of Ada, I. T., a warrant for $500, as a reward for his services in apprehension and conviction of Pete Williams a member of the Casey gang and who in 1902 shot and killed Sheriff Smith of Caddo County. Marshal Babbitt also caught Ed Moberly, who is now in the federal jail awaiting trial for the same murder, and he will receive an additional reward of $500 should Moberly be convicted of the crime.
SLAYER OF CASEY KILLS AN OFFICER
May 11, 1903— The Guthrie Daily Leader --The news was received here today from Jasper, Ark., that Fred Hudson captor of the notorious outlaw Bert Casey , who was killed in the fight that ended in the capture, has been arrested and is now in the jail at his home town on the charge of murdering Deputy United States Marshal Keys . An indictment has been returned against him and the trial has been set for the July term at Harrison, Ark.
The information received here stated that Fred returned to his old home in Arkansas last week and imbibing too freely of “mountain dew” became boisterous and noisy and when the City Marshal Allen and Deputy Marshal Keys interfered the officers were resisted and a running battle ensued. In the fight Marshal Keys received injuries, which proved fatal. He died twenty minutes later from the effects of the shots. Marshal Allen was also injured but will recover. It is said Hudson went to the home of a relative shortly after the shooting but gave himself up to the officers. The grand jury has returned an indictment against him charging him with murder and because of a change in venue the case will be heard at the July term of court at Harrison, Ark. Hudson comes from a good family and has many friends in the territory.
MEMORIES OF HISTORIC FT. GIBSON
Meeting Place of Celebrated Soldiers, Traders and Trappers
May 15, 1903— The Guthrie Daily Leader Fort Gibson, I. T.,-Fortunately for the sentimentalist, the town of Fort Gibson and the old buildings and ruins once a part of the historic garrison are not one and the same. The town is built close to a railroad where trains with the noise of whistles and bells go by rushing from town to town with continual clamor. Back on the hills, in silence and seclusion, ivy clad and melancholy in their aspect, stand the venerable buildings of what was once the most westward outpost of civilization in the Mississippi valley. General Arbuckle established Fort Gibson in 1828. The heights command a beautiful prospect of the surrounding country. The hills that bastion the clear, swift running Grand River is now green with foliage. A soft smoky blue haze floats with gossamer lightness in the intervening valleys. Westward is the Arkansas River and southward the high promontories of the Greenleaf mountain.
In the blood of some men is a strain that makes them peculiarly susceptible to the romance and enchantment of pioneer life. They yearn instinctively for the dangers and hardships that beset the trapper following the western streams, the rollicking trooper in the frontier garrison and the guide who traversed the trackless ways of the wilderness as the forerunner of civilization. Fort Gibson in the old days was the rendezvous of all such adventures. Traders outfitted here for traffic among the Indians and to this place were brought the furs that enriched Chouteau of St. Louis and his companions.
A Meeting Place of Pioneers
Celebrated travelers and explorers came to Fort Gibson and army officers who distinguished themselves in the service of their country lived in the primitive stone buildings that once stood in the valley close to the river. Only a few of these buildings remain. The barracks and buildings farther back on the hills were built in later years. Looking northward across Grand River today the eye surveys a landscape essentially the same, as it was when General Arbuckle first gazed upon it. The timber possibly is of greater size, but neither a house nor a cabin is to be seen, and the forest is as savage in appearance as it was when the employees of Chouteau passed through it on their way to his trading post on the Verdigris seventy years ago. The French half breed disappeared before the present generation was born, but it would hardly cause surprise to see Pierre and Antoine and their brothers emerge suddenly from the woods with their packs so slight has been the change in the picture and so positive seems the conviction that the lonely region has been only temporarily deserted and awaits their return.
Washington Irving’s Visit
When Washington Irving came to Fort Gibson in 1832 as the guest of Chouteau, the trader preparatory to setting out upon his tour of the prairies his servant was a Negro boy “Gyp”, a slave of Chouteau. The Negro was known as “Gyp” Chouteau, and lived in this neighborhood till his death, then or fifteen years ago. He liked to talk of Irving. The latter’s industry in writing amazed “Gyp” who said, “Mr. Washington Irving jest worked all the time, writin’ and writin’, and was pow’ful hard teh wait on, as he didn’t want to be bothered when he was writin’. He liked the write in the shade undah a tree. Sometimes he’d go up to Marse Chouteau’s train’ house on the Verdigris to write.” “Gyp” said that both Irving and his body servant enjoyed their trip farther west more than they did their stay at Fort Gibson, where they feared to venture into the surrounding country because of danger from Indians.
One of the typical old time buildings stands on the bank of Grand River just east of the Missouri Pacific railroad bridge. It is of logs, a story and a half high and divided into four rooms by a hall above and below. In each lower room is a wide fireplace, with beautiful mantels of solid walnut. A portico extends along the south front of the house. In the yard are cedars and black locusts, dear to every Kentucky and Virginia pioneer.
It Was Once The Commissary
“When I came here in 1850,” said one of the old fathers of Fort Gibson, “The commissary officers were quartered in this building and here it was that Captain Henry was cashiered. He was one of the most athletic men I ever saw, quarrelsome to a dangerous degree and continually involved in street fights with citizens and soldiers, with whom he fought fist and skull. He joined Walker’s expedition of filibusters and was killed in Nicaragua.”
Fort Gibson has been stripped of relics, but undoubtedly there must be a number of valuable curios in the possession of persons in the neighborhood. A sutler’s store once stood just east of the Missouri pacific water tank and, although there is scarcely a trace of its foundations yet many coins are found after washing rains. They are mostly silver or copper and all bear an early date ranging from 1825 to 1832.
Much fiction is mingled in the stories and traditions of men and women who once lived at Fort Gibson. One building is pointed out as the place where Henry M. Stanley taught school. The fact that Stanley taught school there is denied by persons whose statements are most worthy of belief. There is no doubt that General Taylor and Jefferson Davis lived at Fort Gibson. Somewhere a cache of rare old whiskey is believed to be buried on the reservation. The story runs that a party of officers buried the whiskey upon departing for the Mexican war, with the understanding that they would celebrate their return by drinking it. But they nave came back. Mrs. George Dewey, wife of Admiral Dewey , went to Fort Gibson about 1870 as the bride of General Hazen, and is kindly remembered by housewives whose hearts she won by her democratic manners, after visiting them at their homes.
She was an accomplished horsewoman. The house in which she lived is still a substantial and comfortable residence, with ivy twining around its upper windows. The interior is plain, but finished everywhere in walnut. The massive inner doors are of solid walnut as are the large closets in each room.
Writing in a Woman’s Hand
Painted in gold over the fireplace in one room, in a feminine hand is this inscription: “Whilst I sat musing, the fire burned.” Mrs. Hazen , by popular report, painted the words, but local history does not record whether her musings revealed to her ambitious career upon which she entered in later years. Mrs. Hazen went to Fort Gibson by stage from Kansas City, making a brief stay at Baxter Springs, Kans. Her visit is still remembered in Baxter Springs. A tornado swept over the town, to the great consternation of citizens, who fled to cellars for safety. Mrs. Hazen, however, was the wife of a soldier, and sat in the hotel parlor playing the piano while the tornado blew down half the town.
HOMESTEADER VS. CATTLEMAN
Long Standing Feud on the Range Gets Into Court
May 26, 1903— The Guthrie Daily Leader --The conviction of Frank Speer , a prominent cattleman, at Taloga, charged with shooting at homesteaders with intent to kill, is the culmination of one of the most desperate, long standing feuds, between the cattlemen and farmers of western Oklahoma, Frank, Jim and Mert Speer brothers; George Ivy , William Murphy and Daniel Holcomb are also indicted under the federal laws for alleged conspiracy in preventing homesteaders the peaceful possession of their claims. After Frank Speer was convicted, the federal cases were continued until next term. A homesteader, James McKinsey , charged with shooting at cattlemen was acquitted. The prominence of the cattlemen has made the case very important.
COLBY
May Know Something of the Murder of Montgomery
June 8, 1903— The Guthrie Daily Leader -- “I believe that after all the facts have been unearthed, Bert Colby will know something of the murder of Detective Montgomery,” said Sheriff Bill Tilghman , of Lincoln County, to the Leader today. “Colby’s arrest by Sheriff Southerland, of Blaine County, is an important one. A large reward was up for his capture.” Concluded Tilghman .
W. O. Coffelt has been tried three times at Winfield for the murder of Montgomery and each time the jury was hung.
There has been an organized gang of horse thieves operating in the territory and Colby is thought to be one of the leading spirits of the organization says the Dispatch. Their plan of operation was to get a bunch of horses together from different portions of the territory and ship them out before arrests could be made or the workings of the law set in motion. When Colby suddenly fell into the clutches of the law he had a number of horses in his possession. The band was thoroughly organized and had well defined methods.
DEATH OF COLONEL A. J.
BLACKWELL
June 25, 1903— The Guthrie Daily Leader Blackwell, Okla.--A. J. Blackwell XE "A. J. Blackwell" , the founder of the city of Blackwell, is dead. The following telegram has been received here:
Chelsea, I. T., June 21.—Mr. Blackwell dropped dead this morning. Will be buried tomorrow at 4:30.
Rosa Blackwell
A few weeks ago Mr. Blackwell removed his family from this city to Chelsea, I. T., to be nearer the scenes of some large business transactions he had recently engaged in.
The announcement of his death was a great surprise and the news rapidly spread throughout the city, many people being inclined to doubt the truth of the report, owing to the fact that he has been, on one or two occasions during the past few years, reported dead.
A. J. Blackwell was probably close to 60 years old at the time of his death. He was born in the sate of Mississippi, but spent a great many years in the Cherokee nation, his wife being part Cherokee. During his later years he accumulated a great deal of property and was a very wealthy man at the time of his death. He laves a widow and three children.
A. J. Blackwell was a town builder. Long before the Cherokee Strip was opened to settlement he conceived the idea of building a city upon the present site of Blackwell. He secured the allotments, three eighties, and when the strip opened to settlement, Sept. 16, 1893, this town had already been surveyed and laid out into lots, blocks and streets, with one house on the townsite, a small frame building that now stands back of the Blackwell hotel on West Blackwell Avenue. The original name of the city was Blackwell Rock, but the citizens soon dispensed with the Rock and adopted the name of Blackwell.
He afterwards founded the town of David, in the Cherokee nation and was also one of the founders of the town of Chelsea in the same country.
HELD UP ONE HUNDRED
Cravens Gang of Outlaws Perpetrate Boldest Coup on Record
June 18, 1903— The Guthrie Daily Leader --Three outlaws, armed, booted and spurred, and acting under the direction of Ben Cravens , held up one hundred men and women, Sunday afternoon, at the lonely spot in the road 24 miles from Pawhuska, Osage nation.
The holdup was perhaps the boldest ever recorded in the annals of territorial crimes.
Mr. John Leahey , of Pawhuska, brought the first news of the affair, to Guthrie last night.
At 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon Fred Keeler drove along the road. He was halted, searched and then taken to a secluded spot off the road and guarded by one of the three outlaws, all of who were armed with Winchesters and revolvers. Ten minutes later David Ware XE "David Ware" , an old Texas Ranger passed along. He was treated the same as Keeler. Ware gnashed his teeth with rage, but was powerless being unarmed. From 1 to 6 o’clock the hold-ups continued. Not a single person escaped. At 6 o’clock 101 persons were grouped together 100 yards from the roadway bandying jokes with the highwaymen. David Ware was the particular target, of Cravens.
“Hi! There, Ware, you’re a killer. Why don’t you do something?” said Cravens.
“The h—l with you,” rejoined Ware. You’ve got the drop now, but wait.”
At 6 o’clock the band of prisoners was released. The highwaymen with 55 head of horses selected nine good animals and made off.
A peculiar feature of this remarkable hold-up is the fact that not one cent of money was taken. Good horses, seemingly, were the chief desire of the bandits. In the bunch of prisoners only one gun was found—a 38-caliber revolver.
Among the victims was a part of ladies and gentlemen, numbering eight, who had just arrived from Ohio for a hunt. They were stopping at the home of William Johnson , the well-known Osage trader. The party was driving along the road enroute to the fishing stream when taken in by the Cravens’ party.
Monday the outlaws surrounded a cow camp at Grey Horse and stood up the punchers. They took no loot, merely eating hearty meals.
Among the hold-up victims of Sunday were:
David Ware and wife. Sidney Soldani
Lawrence Plomonden Henry Kemp and wife.
Bill Johnson and party of eight Ohio men. Fred Keeler
Harvey Sneed and wife.
DEPUTY MARSHAL JONES’ MURDERER UNDER ARREST
July 6, 1903— The Guthrie Daily Leader --The posse pursued the murder of Deputy Marshal Jones XE "Deputy Marshal Jones" who was killed Friday evening succeeded in effecting the capture of a Negro who, it is supposed, fired the fatal bullet, hear Pawhuska late Saturday evening. The Negro was taken to Pawnee and is safely guarded by deputy marshals. He will be brought to the city tomorrow and kept here for safe keeping, as it is feared should he be allowed to remain in that section of the country he would be lynched.
Details of the murder are as yet meager though enough has been learned to substantiate the statement that Deputy Marshal Jones was killed while on duty. The marshal went to the home of Jim Bigheart Friday evening where the dance was in progress and learned that the Negro was disposing of liquor to the Indians.
The Negro was chased into the house by the marshal and fled up stairs. As he reached the top of the stairway the Negro opened fire on the marshal with a Winchester rifle, the bullet entering the shoulder, passed through the body, coming out near the hip. The Indians picked up the body of the dead marshal and the officers notified as soon as possible. The Negro escaped by jumping from the second story window.
UBIQUITOUS HENNESSEY GANG SCORE ANOTHER KILLING
Geary, Okla. July 8, 1903— The Guthrie Daily Leader --City Marshal Cross f Geary was killed in a running fight with three outlaws at midnight near here. A strong posse of the sheriff and deputies and United States marshals are in pursuit, with the outlaws attempting to reach the Wichita Mountains. They are believed to be the same men who looted the town of Hennessey several months ago.
CORNERED
Deputy Marshals Surround Outlaws and Desperate Battle is Pending
July 17, 1903— The Guthrie Daily Leader XE "The Guthrie Daily Leader" --The United States marshal’s office was notified today of a pending battle with outlaws in the Indian reserve pasture in Comanche county, near Red River. A posse composed of fifty or more sheriffs and deputy marshals are closing in on the outlaws who are located on Little Beaver creek. Deputy Marshal Fry XE "Deputy Marshal Fry" , of Lawton, who was in the city today left on the afternoon train in response to a telegram for assistance. It is quite probably Marshal Fossett, who returned from a week’s chase of the desperadoes only yesterday, will return to the scene tonight and direct the forces in the capture of the outlaws. They are believed to be the same men who killed Marshal Cross at Geary last week.
CLYDE MATTOX MUST REMAIN IN PRISON
Governor Frantz Refuses To Pardon Him—Mother’s Long Fight
December 6, 1906—Guthrie, OK—Governor Fran Frantz has refused to pardon Clyde Mattox, who is serving 12 yeas in the penitentiary at Lansing, Kansas, for the murder of a cow puncher named Sweeney in a Ponca City saloon in 1897.
Mattox was convicted in 1900 at Newkirk. Sweeney was a cowboy on the 101 Ranch and entering the saloon he said to the bartender in an insinuating and taunting manner:
“I understand that you have some bad men in here.”
Mattox was in the rear end of the saloon watching a game of cards. He slid down off the box, walked toward Sweeney and immediately the shooting occurred.
His mother has petitioned Governor Barnes, Jenkins, Ferguson and Frantz in succession and has each time been refused a pardon for her son.
101 RANCH EMPLOYEE HELD IN DEATH CASE
May 24, 1929—The Guthrie Daily Leader--Lewistown Pa. Adolph Lahuman, an employee of the 101 Ranch, Wild West show, was in jail here today accused of the fatal shooting of George Thomas, Negro buffalo herder of Marland, Okla.
Police said the shooting Wednesday followed an argument between the two men while the show was being unloaded. Eight other employees from whom authorities obtained evidence were released on bond furnished by Colonel Zack T. Miller, owner of the show.
101 RANCH EMPLOYEE DIES FROM WOUNDS
June 17, 1929—The Guthrie Daily Leader--Ponca City, June 17--Ronald Anderson 25, and employee of the 101 Ranch died in a hospital here today from a gunshot wound suffered yesterday when a revolver he was cleaning was discharged accidentally, Anderson was shot in the face.
Anderson was believed to have come here from Iowa. He had been at the ranch about two weeks